Russell Lee Wright Jr.

By John Rossiter

Atlanta, GA - Family, friends, members of the trapshooting community, former colleagues from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and an Air Force Honor Guard gathered at Enon Baptist Church to celebrate the life and mourn the passing of Russell Lee Wright, Jr., a dedicated public servant, family man, and avid trapshooter who passed away suddenly on June 16, 2026.

Reverend Gregory Pollard, who had shepherded Russ and his wife Joyce since they joined Enon Baptist Church in 2013, presided over the services. In a moving tribute, Dr. Pollard spoke of Russ’s deep faith and spiritual readiness. “Without a doubt, Russ was ready when the Lord called him home,” he said. Drawing from Russ’s passion for trapshooting, Dr. Pollard offered a fitting analogy: just as a trapshooter stands on the line with stance set, shoulders squared, and eyes focused — calling “Pull!” only when fully prepared—Russ was spiritually prepared when God issued His call. The poignant comparison brought comfort to those in attendance, many of whom knew Russ as both a man of faith and a respected figure in Georgia’s shooting sports.

Russell Lee Wright, Jr. was born on April 8, 1947, in Quitman, GA, to proud parents Russell Lee Wright and Lucille Jones. He graduated from Washington Street High School and proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Air Force. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from North Carolina State University and later a master’s degree from Campbell College in North Carolina.

In November 1971, he married Joyce Shaw. The couple had two children: Shelda (Auddie) and Russell III. Russ enjoyed a distinguished 40-year career with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, retiring as an SES Deputy Regional Administrator. In retirement, he channeled his energy into trapshooting, becoming an enthusiastic competitor and leader. He served as president of the Georgia Amateur Trap Shooting Association, where he was widely respected and beloved by fellow shooters.

At an early age, Russell dedicated his life to Christ. After marriage, he and Joyce found a church home at Beulah Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Reverend W.L. Cottrell. In 2013, they joined Enon Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Gregory L. Pollard.

Russ’s life, marked by love, faith, and service, will be remembered with deep gratitude by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by the trapshooting community he helped strengthen, the colleagues who admired his leadership at the EPA, and the many friends and family whose lives he touched.

Survivors

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Joyce; two children, Shelda (Auddie) and Russell III; son-in-law; two grandchildren, Ava Carrington Perkins and Joshua Myron Perkins; two brothers, Melvin (Merle) Wright and Larry Wright; five sisters, Anjalonette VE Lundy, Jeanetha L. (Milton) Roundtree, Leola B. Wright, Cynthia D. (Llovd) Vickers, and Wanda (Carlos) Boyland; three sisters-in-law, Blondcile Walker, Mattie Sherrell, and Velma Shaw; three brothers-in-law, Carlton Shaw, Kenneth Shaw, and Wayne (Patricia) Shaw; a host of nephews and nieces; other loving relatives; and many friends celebrating his life.

Rest in peace, Russ Wright—a great man, a faithful servant, and a true sportsman whose stance on life was always steadfast and ready.